When you have peace of mind, you are better able to focus and accomplish more. You have more patience with others and you sleep better. The things others say don’t bother you as much. Unfortunately, a tranquil world isn’t guaranteed. It’s inevitable that you’ll run into conflicts and difficulties. You or a loved one will lose a job or have to deal with an uncertain economy or some other stress that comes along. The only certainty in life is that it’s full of uncertainty.
Fortunately, there are ways to remain tranquil even when life is stressful. Here are some things you can do to stay calm in the most adverse of circumstances.
1. Practice Gratitude
According to healthline.com, remembering the things you’re grateful for can help you overcome negative emotions. It can also remind you of past challenges you have faced and have overcome. If you made it through a difficult circumstance in the past, you can do it again.
You can practice gratitude by writing things down in a journal or writing thank you letters to those who have made your life brighter. Meditation and prayer are also good ways to cultivate gratitude. Or thank someone in your mind each day.
2. Improve Your Diet
Making poor dietary choices can put your body under occasional stress and anxiety. Improve your diet by including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Take personalized vitamins and drink six to eight glasses of water each day to help maintain your health.
The Mayo Clinic suggests you include protein in your breakfast. Also, include complex carbohydrates in a balanced meal. Stay away from alcohol and caffeine. If you have food sensitivities you should avoid those as well.
3. Exercise Daily
Writers at Psychology Today recommend exercise as a way to support mental health because it impacts the chemical makeup in your brain. Whether it’s walking on a treadmill or swimming laps, regular exercise teaches you to focus on the present. In order to stay on that treadmill, you need to be focused on where you place your feet. You have to think about how many laps you’ve finished so far. You can’t think about your troubling circumstances.
If you are just starting out on a fitness program, start slowly and gradually increase the length and speed of whatever exercise you take up. Make an appointment to exercise daily so it becomes routine. To prevent boredom, take on different activities throughout the week. That way you’re less likely to overuse muscles and get injured.
4. Get Plenty of Sleep
While anxious feelings can cause insomnia, what many people don’t realize is the opposite is also true. Going without sleep can heighten your feelings of anxiety. According to the Sleep Foundation, sleep deprivation can lead to feelings of unease and even more sleep disorders.
Get into the habit of going to bed at the same time each night. Listen to relaxing music an hour before bedtime and avoid watching the news. Read a novel instead. If you must work on a computer, wear glasses that block blue light to help maintain a healthy sleeping habit.
5. Avoid the News
While it’s important to be informed, watching too much news can get you down and make your feel anxious. According to Medical News Today, Millennials and Gen Z adults especially feel stressed when reading the headlines. Take a break from the news for a few months. Discipline yourself to read one positive story for every negative one. Give yourself a chance to recharge your batteries. Spend time outdoors and read a good novel. Meditate and listen to music.
Focus on the problems that you can deal with. Be active at a local level. How can you make a positive impact on those around you? Volunteer at local non-profit organizations. Making a difference in your community can improve your outlook and help you feel connected to others. That in turn will relieve stress.
